Chapter 6

Macheath _in a fine tarnish’d Coat_, Ben Budge, Matt of the Mint.

_Macheath_. I am sorry, Gentlemen, the Road was so barren of Money. When my Friends are in Difficulties, I am always glad that my Fortune can be serviceable to them. [_Gives them Money_.] You see, Gentlemen, I am not a mere Court Friend, who professes every thing and will do nothing.

AIR XLIII. Lillibullero.

_The Modes of the Court so common are grown_, _That a true Friend can hardly be met_; _Friendship for Interest is but a Loan_, _Which they let out for what they can get_. _’Tis true_, _you find_ _Some Friends so kind_, _Who will give you good Counsel themselves to defend_. _In sorrowful Ditty_, _They promise_, _they pity_, _But shift for your Money_, _from Friend to Friend_.

But we, Gentlemen, have still Honour enough to break through the Corruptions of the World.—And while I can serve you, you may command me.

_Ben_. It grieves my Heart that so generous a Man should be involv’d in such Difficulties, as oblige him to live with such ill Company, and herd with Gamesters.

_Matt_. See the Partiality of Mankind!—One Man may steal a Horse, better than another look over a Hedge.—Of all Mechanics, of all servile Handicrafts-men, a Gamester is the vilest. But yet, as many of the Quality are of the Profession, he is admitted amongst the politest Company. I wonder we are not more respected.

_Macheath_. There will be deep Play to-night at _Mary-bone_, and consequently Money may be pick’d up upon the Road. Meet me there, and I’ll give you the Hint who is worth Setting.

_Matt_. The Fellow with a brown Coat with a narrow Gold Binding, I am told, is never without Money.

_Macheath_. What do you mean, _Matt_?—Sure you will not think of meddling with him!—He’s a good honest kind of a Fellow, and one of us.

_Ben_. To be sure, Sir, we will put ourselves under your Direction.

_Macheath_. Have an Eye upon the Money-Lenders.—A _Rouleau_, or two, would prove a pretty sort of an Expedition. I hate Extortion.

_Matt_. Those Rouleaus are very pretty Things.—I hate your Bank Bills.—There is such a Hazard in putting them off.

_Macheath_. There is a certain Man of Distinction, who in his Time hath nick’d me out of a great deal of the Ready. He is in my Cash, Ben;—I’ll point him out to you this Evening, and you shall draw upon him for the Debt.—The Company are met; I hear the Dice-Box in the other Room. So, Gentlemen, your Servant. You’ll meet me at _Mary-bone_.